Crystal Bridges President Don Bacigalupi Will Leave to Lead Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Don Bacigalupi, the president of the Alice Walton’s Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, will leave his post on January 14, 2015, the museum announced today. He will be the founding president of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Chicago, meaning in terms of bosses, he has gone from Wal-Mart heiress to the creator of Star Wars. Trading up, if you ask me.

Bacigalupi joined Crystal Bridges as executive director in 2009, becoming president in 2013. He will remain on the museum’s board.

In a statement, Bacigalupi said, “Leading Crystal Bridges through its construction, opening and early years has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience and honor. I am so proud to have worked with such an incredibly passionate and capable team–of staff, board, and volunteers–to achieve such extraordinary successes. I often say that we’ve made a good start at Crystal Bridges, and I look forward to the great momentum continuing. I’ll be a lifelong friend and fan.”